Sunday, August 28, 2011

As I noted back in March, I realized that to really be taken serious in the competitive jewelry industry, it would wise to take a course to become a Certified Jewelry Designer. I've been designing jewelry for several years but I was mostly self-taught, and it never hurts to learn new techniques and also look at your business from another perspective. So during the fall of 2010 I signed up for the Sheffield School course in Jewelry Design: Beading & Wire Working, and in July 2011 I turned in my final project (whew !!)

When I received my completed project with my grade (A, yay!), I was wondering why there was no certificate included. I later got a letter from the director of the school stating that I was the first person to complete this course, and that my "commendable progress took them by surprise" so they didn't even have the certificates printed yet (big grin :D)

My advisor asked me if she could write an article about me in the Sheffield School blog. I've been checking every day to see if it's up yet and Will keep you posted on that. But the important thing is I can now officially say I am a Certified Jewelry Designer!

About Me

Beautiful jewelry can give you sense of empowerment. It is a piece that you selected, and possibly helped design, which tells the world how you see yourself. Your jewelry should be an extension of your own personality.

I've always had a passion for jewelry. When I would buy a new outfit, I would immediately head right over to the jewelry counter to find just the right pieces to compliment it. In an attempt to find a hobby, as Oprah would say, I had an "Aha!" moment. Jewelry had always been a vital part of who I am, and it made perfect sense for my new hobby to be making my own jewelry. As I began to perfect my jewelry techniques, my hobby and passion grew. I am now retired and a full-time jewelry designer. The majority of my pieces are one of a kind (OOAK). I enjoy creating all styles of artisan jewelry, but I do lean toward an eclectic style. I especially like hand-forging wire (pounding with a hammer is great for releasing tension!). I use all types of beads, from semi-precious and artisan lampwork beads to less expensive plated beads.

I like to make accessories as well. For example, when I was working, I was required to wear a badge on a horrendous plastic break-away lanyard. Well, that plastic lanyard definitely did NOT define my style so I made my own. Also I am at the age where I occasionally need glasses but don't want to wear an eyeglass holder that looks like something my grandmother would wear, so I make eyeglass holders for those of us that still like a little spice in our life :-)